Sydney moves to ban gas - councils go where NSW Labor fears to tread
The City of Sydney council will ban gas connections in new homes and businesses.
Revised planning rules will require new homes and businesses to include all-electric appliances, instead of gas ones.
The motion was moved by councillor Emelda David in response to the “Electrify Your Council” campaign led by 350 Australia.
The Council push follows comments from state Labor premier, Chris Minns, suggesting that a residential gas ban is not on his government’s agenda.
In contrast, Victoria’s state government last has followed the ACT’s lead and announced their own ban on new gas connections, starting in 2024.
Other NSW local government councils have taken up 350 Australia’s challenge - Waverley and Parramatta - with Sydney just the latest and perhaps highest profile, so far.
The announcement of Sydney’s intention to ban gas has captured the attention of the fossil fuel lobby. The Australian Pipelines and Gas Association (APGA) has expressed disappointment, and spruiked 'renewable gas'.